Overview

To mark International Women’s Day, Bandung Africa and the British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) hosted a transformative webinar under the theme “Give to Gain.” The session brought together a global panel of leaders to discuss the “care economy,” the structural barriers facing African women, and the radical power of women supporting women.

From grassroots tree-planting in Kenya to high-level policy discussions at the Commonwealth Secretariat, this webinar explored how investing in women creates a multiplier effect that elevates entire communities.

Voices from the Front Lines: Key Quotes

“We must dismantle the international financial architecture that imposes austerity and instead center women’s economic sovereignty through land reform and Pan-African solidarity.”
— Claudia Webbe, Former Member of Parliament (UK)

“There is a heavy ‘allostatic load’—the cumulative stress and pressure—that women carry. We must give ourselves and each other grace, moving away from the ‘superwoman’ trope toward collective self-care.”
— Robyn Williams, Retired Police Borough Commander

“When you invest in a woman, you are not just helping an individual; you are driving social and economic progress for the next generation. Supporting women multiplies benefits for everyone.”
— Yetunde Asika, International Lawyer & Advocate

The Core Conversation: Empowerment, Equity, and Allostatic Load

The discussion moved beyond surface-level celebrations to address the hard realities of gender disparity and the physical toll of societal expectations.

Key Themes & Highlights:

• The Care Economy:Claudia Webbe opened the session with a call for universal public childcare and eldercare, arguing that women’s unpaid labor remains a primary barrier to global equality.
• Economic Independence:Fashion CEO Bruna Ogutu and advocate Yetunde Asika discussed how economic sovereignty and access to credit are essential for women to thrive as leaders and innovators.
• Health & Well-being:A vital segment of the webinar focused on the “allostatic load”—the physiological wear and tear on women caused by chronic stress. Panelists urged a shift toward mentorship without competition.
• Climate & Legacy:Evelyn Kimathi shared how the Dedan Kimathi Foundation is honoring Kenya’s freedom fighters through environmental conservation, linking women’s leadership to climate justice.

Meet the Panelists

Our session featured an inspiring lineup of women leaders from various sectors:

• Claudia Webbe: Political leader and advocate for global land reform and progressive taxation.
• Bruna Ogutu: Founder & CEO of Flamingo Handmade 254, representing the power of creative entrepreneurship.
• Yetunde Asika: International legal expert focused on social and economic progress through women-led initiatives.
• Robyn Williams: A retired high-ranking police official who provided deep insights into women’s health and institutional transformation.
• Stacy Selina: EYW Brand Ambassador, highlighting inclusive leadership for the next generation.
• Charity Mwathi: Representing the Commonwealth Secretariat on global gender equality efforts.
• Evelyn Kimathi: CEO of the Dedan Kimathi Foundation, leading initiatives in climate action and historical preservation.
• Hosted by Maria Kamata: Who stepped in to moderate a dynamic dialogue on mentorship and solidarity.

The Path Forward: From Grassroots to Global

The event concluded with a commitment to tangible action. From launching workshops for schoolgirls in Lindi, Tanzania, to formal diplomatic meetings with international ambassadors, Bandung Africa is turning the “Give to Gain” philosophy into a roadmap for change.

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